By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
Top overall pick Bella Belen has officially signed with the Capital1 Solar Spikers, marking the start of her professional journey in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL).
Belen, selected first in this year’s PVL Rookie Draft, inked her contract with the team to formally become the newest addition to the Solar Spikers roster.
Team owner Milka Romero shared the development in a social media post on Wednesday, July 16.
“Welcome to the @capital1solarspikers family, @mhicaelabelen!” wrote Romero in a caption photo of her, Belen and co-team owner and sister Mandy Romero.
However, Belen has yet to suit up for the Capital1 Solar Spikers as she remains committed to her duties with the national team.
Details of the contract, however, were not revealed although Belen is entitled to a minimum three-year contract for being a first-round pick and a minimum starting salary of P165,000.
With her status, Belen is likely to get a lucrative deal that could be extended to a “lifetime.”
That was the belief of sportsman Mikee Romero, father of the team owners, who said: “My two kids, Milka and Mandy of Capital 1 signs former 3x UAAP MVP Bella Belen to multi-year contract that can be extended to a lifetime.”
Belen is a former National University standout who won the historic Rookie-MVP plums in the UAAP. She has three MVPs while steering the Lady Bulldogs to three UAAP championships.
The elder Romero successfully built a dynasty in the Philippine Basketball League where his team won a record seven straight championship.
